It’s a Greek word. Summathetes. It wasn’t chosen to be showy or provoke conversation or to demonstarte some knowledge of the language. It was chosen because it captures best what this blog is all about.

The “mathetes” part of the word is usually translated by the English word “disciple.” But that word, in some settings, carries baggage. Some use it in an elitist way; others seem to focus on the necessity of certain “disciplines” to qualify to be a disciple. The New Testament uses it to speak of someone who has stepped into a life of “followership.” An intentional and wholistic internship into Jesus’ life.

The “sum” part of the word is a prefix that means “together with.” The compound word is found only once in the New Testament; in John 11:16 when Thomas speaks to his “fellow disciples” about where they should go. (Read the passage; it’s pretty startling!)

So a summathetes is someone who has joined with others to step into a vibrant and intentional apprenticeship into Jesus’ life. And this space on the web is simply intended to be one small spot where that idea can be explored.

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I like this!
I decided to contact you via comment, as it would be easier than you actually reading a strange e-mail. I wanted you to know that I appreciated your comment and that I am not easily dissuaded from my walk with God. I have made a purposed decision to live a lifestyle that is guided by my heavenly father. Oh! And I hear the voice of God, as I am blessed by Him in that area.
Thank you for your encouragement, and I look forward to exploring your blog.
Have a blessed day! :)

Hearttruth (Pastor Mark),
Thanks! Sweet to hear from a Calvary Pastor. I have some “roots” in Calvary Chapel, having attended for many years in California and having led worship for some time for the Calvary in Redlands, California. Grace,
Summathetes

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The text of Scripture and the words you read here.

In an effort to keep these posts from being cumbersome in length, the Biblical passages referred to are, at times, not cited in their entirety. This is not because the passages themselves are less important than the words posted. It is only because the reader of the posts most likely can readily access the passages and read them for herself or himself. And I encourage everyone to do so. If you would like to access the Scriptures on line consider either www.biblegateway.com (for access to a variety of translations) or www.esv.org (for access to the English Standard Version, a recent and reliable translation).

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All comments posted by others are subject to approval. However, that being said, the intention is not to limit the discussion so please be aware that comments allowed to appear on this blog do not necessarily reflect the views of the blog's author. The author's post are intended to invite thoughtful reflection on critical issues of discipleship so please think well and biblically about all that read you posted here . . . whether the blog itself or the comments that have been added.